A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Orlando, Florida distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army operates free local food banks around Orlando, Florida from almost all of their local social service centers. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
We have located 4 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Orlando, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 295-9311 to book your appointment.
Address :
3899 W Colonial Dr,
Orlando, FL 32808.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
The Salvation Army - Dalton, GA
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Men's Ministries
- Seasonal Services
- Store
- Transitional Housing
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (706) 278-3966 to book your appointment.
Address :
1109 N Thornton Ave, dalton,
Orlando, FL 32803.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
The Salvation Army - Orlando, FL Area Command
Services provided :
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizens Residences
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Young Adult
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 423-8581 to book your appointment.
Address :
416 W Colonial Dr,
Orlando, FL 32804.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
The Salvation Army Orlando
The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command meets human needs in Orange and Osceola Counties by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, providing immediate assistance in times of personal crisis or natural disaster and providing nurturing youth programs for our community's leaders of tomorrow.
Food Pantry Assistance Program provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs help. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
You will need to provide the following documentation when coming to The Salvation Army;
-Social Security Cards for all members of the household.
-Proof of Orange County residency. Example; A recent utility bill within the last 30 days.
-Photo I.D. for the head of the household or the person making application for assistance.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 423-8581ext2649 to book your appointment.
Address :
400 W Colonial Dr,
Orlando, FL 32804.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
- Osceola
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Orlando, Florida have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Churches operate with food donations gathered and deliver to the food pantry nearest you by individuals using food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to elderly who are unable to drive to a nearest community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
We have located 5 Church Food Pantry locations in Orlando, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
RU Recovery Ministries - Harvest Baptist Church
Feed the Hungry Ministry is a progam which aims to reach as many families that are in need as possible and provide them with the necessary assistance.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- financial assistance
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 425-3109 to book your appointment.
Address :
514 S Parramore Ave,
Orlando, FL 32805.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Joy Metropolitan Community Church
Our food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and simply need assistance to make ends meet.
Documents required: Photo ID
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 894-1081 to book your appointment.
Address :
2351 S Ferncreek Ave,
Orlando, FL 32806.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Christ the King Episcopal Church - Food Pantry
Beginning June 9th 2012, we took a leap of faith in responding to God’s call to expand our Food Pantry Ministry beyond our congregation by serving those in need in our community. On the second Saturday of each month since, we have opened our Parish Hall doors at 9 am and distributed as many bags of food as our supply allows on a first come, first served basis. Within four months, the pantry went from serving a few families to serving 159 families which represented a total of 586 people! In addition to Saturday distributions, we continue to give Emergency Food Bags to anyone in need during the month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 277-1151 to book your appointment.
Address :
26 Willow Dr,
Orlando, FL 32807.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
South Orlando Baptist Church - Food Pantry
Many people have lost jobs because of the downturn of the economy and other unfortunate circumstances. As a church body, we want to collect food continually to help our friends and family get through these difficult times. If you are going through a difficult time and cannot buy groceries for your family, we would like to help. All you need to do is come to the church office, present us with a picture ID (i.e. driver’s license or state identification card), and tell us if you have a place to cook the food. Anyone can receive food once every 3 months per person. Please remember that this is a ministry of our church and for those who truly are in need of food. If you know someone or know a family who is in need, we ask that you submit their names and a way we can contact them so that we might be able to help.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 859-1536 to book your appointment.
Address :
11513 S Orange Blossom Trl,
Orlando, FL 32837.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
First Baptist Church of Pine Castle - Food Pantry
Food Pantry: To provide food and supplies, for needy families in the Church and local community.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 855-4741 to book your appointment.
Address :
1001 Hoffner Ave,
Orlando, FL 32809.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Orlando, Florida are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Orlando, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Catholic Charities of Central Florida - Semoran Food Pantry
The mission of Catholic Charities of Central Florida is to provide vital social services to people in need, regardless of their religious, social or economic background, to improve lives of individuals, families and the community. Food Assistance is available through Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s regional Food Pantries. Semoran Food Pantry: M, W, TH, F: 9 am - 11 am and 1 pm - 3 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 658-1818 to book your appointment.
Address :
1771 N Semoran Blvd,
Orlando, FL 32807.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Orlando, Florida almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
We have located 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Orlando, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Orlando, Florida in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
A typical mobile pantry serves 200-250 families distributing up to 10,000 pounds of food. This past year over 6.6 million pounds were distributed through this program.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2024
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantry scheduled to visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Orlando, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Orlando, Florida much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Orlando, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Orlando, Florida area. This makes it just a bit easier for some of more remote rural agencies to receive their products. About 70% of members take advantage of the Food Pantry Delivery Program.
Food Pantry
We have located 12 Food Pantry locations in Orlando, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
United Against Poverty
Our Member Share Grocery Program is a dignified food and household assistance program where you can personally select the nutritious food items your family needs.
How it works: We purchase groceries in bulk and receive product donations from major grocery chains. Our program members contribute a small handling fee per item, to cover transportation costs and to help our organization continue to get nutritional and basic needs items into the hands of those who can best benefit.
The Member Share Grocery program makes it possible for families who qualify by income to regularly obtain food and hygiene-related items.
The Member Share Grocery Program serves families who fall at 200% of the federal poverty level or below.
To apply, please visit our website and download the application.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 650-0774 to book your appointment.
Address :
150 W Michigan St, SUITE A,
Orlando, FL 32806.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- St. Lucie
- Indian River
- Orange
One Heart For Women And Children Inc
Feeding Homeless program provides food, clothes, shoes and personal hygiene items for homeless.
For more information call us on 321-299-4594.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
- clothing
- personal care items
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (321) 299-4594 to book your appointment.
Address :
2040 N Rio Grande Ave,
Orlando, FL 32804.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Family Ties Ministries
Emergency Food Pantry offers food to meet the needs of hungry and homeless people in Central Florida.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 592-5881 to book your appointment.
Address :
1515 N Alafaya Trl,
Orlando, FL 32828.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Islamic Society of Central Florida
Seeds of Paradise Food Pantry provides food to feed low-income individuals and families in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 250-5822 to book your appointment.
Address :
1460 N Goldenrod Rd, SUITE 105,
Orlando, FL 32807.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Jubilo Orlando Community Outreach
Jubilo Orlando Community Outreach program provides food, toiletries, clothing, shoes, haircuts and medical check ups to help the Orlando homeless.
For more information call 321-209-2044]
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- personal care items
- checkup & test
- personal hygiene
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (321) 209-2044 to book your appointment.
Address :
5281 Central Florida Pkwy,
Orlando, FL 32821.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
New Vision Ministry Inc
The mission of New Vision Ministry is to bring the gospel to nations and to help end homelessness and hunger.
New Vision Ministry Food & Clothing Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.” The pantry is operated Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM - 4 PM.
Visit our location during operation to receive food and clothing or call us for more information.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 953-2387 to book your appointment.
Address :
1624 Renee Ave,
Orlando, FL 32825.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Open Arms Ministries
Open Arms Ministries is committed to meeting the needs of all people regardless of faith, race or gender. Through God's favor we are able to provide food, clothing, shelter, literacy programs and counseling for those in need thus allowing them to experience the unconditional love and never-ending hope that is found through Jesus Christ. Food distribution is every Saturday from 10 am - 12 pm.
Visit us for our services
Services provided :
- temporary shelter
- food pantry
- clothing
- counseling
- basic literacy
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 683-7714 to book your appointment.
Address :
3939 Rosewood Way,
Orlando, FL 32808.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Human Crisis Center, Inc.
Our food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and simply need assistance to make ends meet.
Appointments usually can be scheduled a week after calling
We serve the following zip codes: 32804, 32808, 32810, 32751, 32789
Please bring a valid photo ID
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 521-7750 to book your appointment.
Address :
5514 Edgewater Dr,
Orlando, FL 32810.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 03:00 AM EST
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 03:00 AM EST
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 03:00 AM EST
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 03:00 AM EST
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 03:00 AM EST
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 03:00 AM EST
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Covenant House Florida Inc
Community Services Program provides an array of services to homeless youth ages 18 to 21 living on the street, who feel they are not ready to accept the structure of a residential shelter or for youth who have achieved stable housing but are in need of on-going supportive services in an aftercare environment. Services provided include case management, counseling, food pantry, hygiene supplies, clothing, laundry services, family reunification, transportation assistance and access to education.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- personal care items
- transportation
- personal hygiene
- counseling
- one-on-one support
- more education
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 482-0404 to book your appointment.
Address :
5931 E Colonial Dr,
Orlando, FL 32807.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Christian Service Center - Daily Bread (Orlando)
The Daily Bread program was established at the Christian Service Center in 1975 with a goal that no person in Central Florida would struggle with hunger. Daily Bread has offered a free nourishing noontime meal to anyone in the community who is hungry. Following our scriptural calling, it is significant to the Christian Service Center that Daily Bread be available at no cost and with no participation criteria. If someone comes hungry, they shall be served a meal. Monday through Friday: 12-1 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 425-2523 to book your appointment.
Address :
24 Glenn Ln,
Orlando, FL 32804.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 500 partner agencies in six Central Florida counties: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. Vision: A Hunger-Free Central Florida. Mission: To Fight Hunger in Central Florida
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 295-1066 to book your appointment.
Address :
411 Mercy Dr,
Orlando, FL 32805.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Community Food & Outreach Center
Our Mission: To help those in need to transform their lives by providing food, crisis care, opportunities for education and employment, and a hand up to families, individuals and children who are fighting to break the cycle of poverty. The Community Food & Outreach Center provides a range of services to our clients who are struggling through unemployment, hunger, housing difficulties, and more. We are here to give you a “hand up†with one-on-one support from our caring staff and volunteers.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 650-0774 to book your appointment.
Address :
150 W Michigan St,
Orlando, FL 32806.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Help Residents of Counties:
- Orange
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Since the start of the coronavirus, drive-thru food pantries have become the safest, most efficient way to provide food to our struggling neighbors.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
How do drive-thru pantries actually work?
There are lot of volunteers help at Drive-thru food pantries. While not all drive-thru pantries operate in the same way, here�s how most work:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the parking area.
Visitors pull up to the pantry in their car and are usually guided into a clearly marked queue. As people move through the pantry, staff will continue to move the cars forward to get everyone through as quickly and safely as possible.
Checkin.
You are required to fill some information for Pantry's recording keeping.
Food is loaded into the cars.
Pre-packed bags of food, usually full of shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats are loaded by volunteers into the trunk of the car.
Pet Food Pantry
One in four pet owners who give up their pets to a shelter say it is because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet Food Pantries are designed to fill the void in the nation�s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets.
The Pet Food Pantry provides free pet food, for 3 months or less, to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Orlando, Florida
Who are eligible for Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry helps people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.